summons

[ suhm-uhnz ]

noun

, plural sum·mons·es.

1. an authoritative command, message, or signal by which one is summoned.
2. a request, demand, or call to do something:

   a summons to surrender.

3. Law.
   1. a call or citation by authority to appear before a court or a judicial officer.
   2. the writ by which the call is made.
4. an authoritative call or notice to appear at a specified place, as for a particular purpose or duty.
5. a call issued for the meeting of an assembly or parliament.

verb (used with object)

1. to serve with a summons; summon.

summons

/ ˈsʌmənz /

noun

1. a call, signal, or order to do something, esp to appear in person or attend at a specified place or time
2. 1. an official order requiring a person to attend court, either to answer a charge or to give evidence
   2. the writ making such an order Compare warrant
3. a call or command given to the members of an assembly to convene a meeting

verb

1. to take out a summons against (a person)

Other Words From

• non·summons noun
• re·summons noun plural resummonses

Word History and Origins

Origin of summons¹

1250–1300; Middle English somons < Anglo-French; Old French somonse < Vulgar Latin *summonsa, for Latin summonita, feminine past participle of summonēre; summon

Word History and Origins

Origin of summons¹

C13: from Old French somonse, from somondre to summon

Example Sentences

For instance, researchers recently revamped a court summons form and sent text reminders to get more people to attend mandatory court appointments in New York City.

From Science News

They were more likely to receive jury summonses by mail because many didn’t move as frequently as lower-income renters, whose jury notices often went to outdated addresses.

From Time

About 45 minutes past our interview time, the studio flack summons me.

From The Daily Beast

They say, ‘If we catch you out there, we’re going to write you a summons.

From The Daily Beast

The cops brought the same charge of simple assault in releasing Palmer with Complaint-Summons 000728.

From The Daily Beast

On July 8, a summons was sent to Zhang alerting her to the lawsuit, and on July 11, Nan Shi lost her job.

From The Daily Beast

This summons all the proximate Beyoncé voters, as we reply in a full-throated roar, “ALLLLLL THE SINGLE LAAAAADIES!”

From The Daily Beast

While Louis was reading these dispatches, he received a summons from Elizabeth, to attend her immediately.

From Project Gutenberg

She had sent away her attendants, bolted the door against her mother, and sat waiting her summons.

From Project Gutenberg

I am cast down by grief at this evil news, and the summons from Court has brought me in all haste from Milan.

From Project Gutenberg

Her gentle summons was answered by a tall powdered footman in blue and silver livery.

From Project Gutenberg

Vergniaud, notwithstanding the terrific agitations of the hour, immediately attended the summons of Madame Roland.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• indictment
• subpoena
• warrant
• writ